Maine Fishermen's Forum Scholarship Helps Young Southport Woman Move into Medicine

The Maine Fishermen’s Forum has awarded a total of $385,886 in scholarships since 1998 to students related to a person who is actively involved in the seafood industry. The awards given each year are based on the amount of money donated and raised through the annual Fishermen’s Forum Scholarship Auction. Landings introduces you to some of the award recipients throughout the year.

Jasmine Waite, 22, is a graduate of the Maine School of Science and Mathematics in Limestone and currently studying biochemistry at the University of Maine Honors College; she plans to graduate in 2019. Waite is the daughter of Jack Waite, a Southport Island lobsterman, and Kimberly Knowlton, who works at Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

Waite has a lifelong connection to the fishing world. After all, her father named his boat after her. “My father began harvesting lobster at the age of 8 with his grandfather and this continued to be his primary profession for the following 62 years. I grew up on and around the ocean with my dad, helping with lobster banding and selling, observing his boat repairs, and doing things like casting a line overboard. I eventually applied for an apprentice lobster license and received my own buoy color and bands, fishing out of Newagen Harbor,” she said.

After a stint lobstering as a teenager, Waite put her gear aside when she graduated from high school but has not ruled out fishing in the future. “Fishing will always be a part of me,” she explained.

Waite has a strong interest in the human body and in ultimately entering medical school. “I study biochemistry because I am passionate about deepening my understanding of the interplay between mind, body, lifestyle choices, and overall well-being,” she said. “I hope to become an osteopathic physician, pairing a holistic view of the body with conventional medical techniques.”

Attending UMaine has given Waite the opportunity to meet all sorts of people, professors and students alike, who have expanded her horizons. “I interact and connect with a diverse range of students, faculty, subjects, and experiences,” she said. “From nutritional biochemistry to rock climbing and friends from China to Ohio, each day provides valuable opportunities for learning more.” She admits that the barrage of new experiences can be overwhelming at times. “It was a bit challenging for me during my freshman year, especially making sure I was doing more than just studying, but I’ve now found a healthy balance of academics, fitness, community, and rest,” she said.

Looking back, Waite credits her high school experiences at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics for influencing her decision to go to college to study biochemistry. “One example in particular would be my first exposure to biochemistry,” she recalled. “I was on a January Term trip to the Cape Eleuthera Institute in the Bahamas where we studied the effects of capture line stress on shark biochemistry. I’ve always known I was interested in a field where I can help others heal, but that was the first moment when I could also see myself integrating research into this future, as well as choosing biochemistry as my specific major.” 

Another factor weighed heavily in Waite’s decision to choose an education in biochemistry and human health. “My interest stems from my own experiences with chronic illness as a child and my subsequent healing. I still feel grateful for the quality of life I enjoy today and strive to share this with others,” she said.

In addition to the Maine Fishermen’s Forum scholarship and other awards, Waite earns money to pay for her education by working as a student laboratory technician and a peer mentor at college. The Forum scholarship has made a big difference in her life as a student. “Thank you for selecting me to receive this scholarship,” Waite said. “I’m very grateful because it has enabled me to focus completely on my academics and a healthy, balanced lifestyle, rather than on financial concerns. Thank you for your generosity!”